Rabbits make wonderful companions! Rather than buying a rabbit for sale at a pet store or rabbit breeder, adopting a rabbit from an animal shelter or rescue organization is the perfect way to add a rabbit to your family. Today’s rabbits are indoor, spayed/neutered and litter box trained. But how do you know if your home right for a rabbit? Here are some questions to ask yourself before you adopt a Rabbit, from our friends over at the House Rabbit Society.
Do you have OTHER ANIMALS animals that could scare, wound or kill a rabbit? (Many dogs were bred to capture small animals.) Rabbits can die of fright!
Do you have the TIME AND ENERGY to care for a rabbit? They are high maintenance companions. Every day, twice a day they need green veggies, pellets, water, and hay. Their litter box needs cleaning every two days. Rabbits are social and need human or rabbit company and plenty of space to run around.
ARE YOU PREPARED to care for a rabbit who lives 10+ years? What will happen to your rabbit when you move, get married, have kids? What if your kids lose interest? Your rabbit cannot survive without you.
DOES EVERYONE in your family want a rabbit? Does anyone have asthma, allergies or hay fever? People are rarely allergic to rabbits but may be allergic to the hay they eat.
Can you AFFORD the supplies and medical care your bunny needs? Rabbits can cost $50-$100 per month for supplies alone. Vet care for rabbits is more expensive than dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering a rabbit costs more too (unless you adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter).
If you RENT your home, does your landlord allow rabbits? Will you move if you have to?
Do you have ENOUGH ROOM for a rabbit? You’ll need a space at least 4×4 ft (minimum) or a room for your rabbit. Rabbits need to get out of their pen to exercise daily, and need daily social interaction to stay happy and healthy.
Is your home BUNNY-PROOFED with electrical and computer cords covered or placed out of reach? Have houseplants and dangerous chemicals been moved to safe places? Anything in your rabbit’s room may be chewed by your bun!
Will you be available to SUPERVISE children when they’re around the rabbit? Rabbits are easily injured when picked up by someone who doesn’t know how. Rabbits can bite and scratch when frightened.
BEFORE YOU ADOPT, have all your supplies in place.
WHEN YOU ADOPT, ask questions! Rescues are happy to help!
Excerpted from House Rabbit Society (http://www.rabbit.org) materials.
There’s a lot to know when you provide a home for a rabbit. You’ll need to learn what to feed them, how much exercise and attention your rabbit needs and many other important things about how to live beside and care for a house rabbit. Rescues can give you the information you need to have a happy (er, hoppy!), healthy, active rabbit friend.
A great resource is the House Rabbit Society at rabbit.org.